Japan ranks among the top 5 in the world for Michelin-starred hotels.

The Michelin Group (France) has just announced the list of accommodations that meet the "Michelin key" standard, in which Japan has 126 hotels honored, ranking 5th globally out of approximately 100 countries evaluated.

According to the VNA correspondent in Tokyo, this is the second time Michelin has applied its hotel rating system using "keys," but it is the first time it has expanded the scope of evaluation to a global scale, instead of just 15 countries as before.

Of the more than 7,000 hotels worldwide , approximately 2,400 establishments (nearly 30%) meet Michelin standards.

The Michelin Guide is famous for showcasing excellent restaurants using a 1-3 star rating system, but since its inception in 1900, Michelin has also evaluated accommodations according to its own criteria.

Unlike the star rating system for restaurants, "Michelin key" is judged based on five criteria: unique local experience; architecture and design; distinctive style; quality of service; and value for money.

Accommodations are rated from 1-3 key, with the highest rating being “top-class holiday.” The ratings are conducted annually by anonymous inspectors and may be adjusted if quality declines.

According to Michelin's official website, as of December 5th, Japan has 7 hotels that have achieved the highest rating of "3 key," ranking 6th in the world; 20 hotels have achieved "2 key," and 99 establishments have achieved "1 key."

In Asia, Japan is the only country in the world's top 10 for the number of Michelin-starred hotels.

The total number of accommodation establishments in Japan that have achieved "Michelin key" is 126. By country, Japan ranks 5th, after the US (316), France (203), Italy (188) and Germany (130).

Among 19 Asian countries, Japan is the only country to make it into the top 10 with more than double the number of Thailand (62), the country ranked second in the region.

This recognition reflects the growing appeal of Japanese tourism . According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the number of international visitors to Japan in the first half of 2025 increased by 21% year-on-year, with Vietnam being one of the two countries with the highest growth rates.

In the ranking of "Top Tourist Cities in the World 2025" published on December 4th by the British research company Euromonitor International, Tokyo ranked 3rd, after Paris (France) and Madrid (Spain).

If we include Osaka (ranked 11th) and Kyoto (ranked 19th), then Japan is the only country with three cities in the top 20.

However, the Japanese accommodation industry is facing a major challenge regarding manpower.

A 2025 survey by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism revealed that 60% of traditional inns (ryokan) received no applications despite continuous recruitment, highlighting the urgent need to maintain quality.

(VNA/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/nhat-ban-dung-top-5-the-gioi-ve-khach-san-michelin-post1083046.vnp